Installing Blue Screws - 3/16” and 1/4” Diameter
- Use the hammer drill and 5/32” carbide tipped drill for the 3/16” diameter blue screw and a 3/16” carbide tipped drill bit for the 1/4” tapcon. ...
- Drill hole in the base material a minimum of 1/4” deeper than the blue screw will penetrate the base material. ...
- Insert the blue screw through the fixture and into the hole in the base material.
Full Answer
How do you put a screw into concrete?
Screwdriver Use
- Pick the right screwdriver size for the screw, and ensure the blade thickness fits in the slot. ...
- Although you can get a ratcheting screwdriver, never use pliers on a manual screwdriver to offer more torque. ...
- I never think nice screwdrivers can be used as a pry, punch, or lever. ...
- Only ever use insulated screwdrivers for electrical work. ...
How to screed concrete for beginners?
How to pour concrete the right way: A guide for beginners
- Gather Your Tools and Supplies. Before getting started, you’ll need to make sure that you have everything you’ll need to get the job done right.
- Prepare the Area. ...
- Compact the Subgrade. ...
- Add the Sub-base. ...
- Build a Form. ...
- Mix the Concrete. ...
- Pour the Concrete Mixture. ...
- Use Your Screed. ...
- Groove the Concrete. ...
- Treat the Slab with Sealer. ...
How to pour self level concrete?
Pouring
- Mixing the self-leveling underlayment. We’ve already covered how to set up a mixing station and preparing to mix. ...
- Pouring self-leveling underlayment onto the floor. Move the bucket, or barrel, as you pour. Don’t just dump it all in one spot and figure on moving it later.
- Problem areas. There are always certain areas that can create problems. ...
How to use Tapcon concrete screws?
- Drilling the hole to the proper depth is critical.
- Set the depth gauge provided with the hammer drill to the required depth. ...
- When setting the depth gauge or using tape, make sure that the bit is in the most protracted position in the chuck.
- The minimum depth of embedment for the Tapcon screw is 1 inch, and the maximum embedment is 1-3/4 inch.
What are concrete screws used for?
Why is it important to use concrete screws?
Do blue concrete screws need a pilot hole?
It is necessary to make a pilot hole for concrete screws. You should allow for a little extra depth to your drill hole to ensure that when the concrete screws are cutting threads there is enough room for any dust that might accumulate.
How do you use blue concrete screws?
1:082:36How To Use Tapcon Concrete Screws - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the fixture over the hole making sure that the hole in the fixture is large enough to allowMorePlace the fixture over the hole making sure that the hole in the fixture is large enough to allow the tapcon screw to be inserted through. It. Place the concrete screws into the fixture.
What are blue coated screws used for?
CONFAST® hex head concrete screw – often called 'blue screw' due to the blue coating that helps the screw resist rust – is designed to be used when the screw head can protrude above the surface of the item being fastened – allowing for the removal of the screw.
Do I need a hammer drill for Tapcon screws?
The hole must be drilled using a hammer drill with a carbide tipped bit meeting ANSI standards. A bit that meets ANSI standards will ensure that the hole diameter will meet the requirements of the Tapcon®.
Do you have to drill before using concrete screws?
Concrete screws are a quick and easy way of fastening to concrete, they do not require hammering like other fasteners. All you need to do is drill a hole, clean it out and drive in the screw, which we recommend doing with an impact wrench.
Do you need a special drill for concrete screws?
Carbide Tipped Drill Bits for Concrete Drilling A proper bit for drilling a hole for a concrete anchor is an ANSI tolerance, carbide-tipped drill bit. The type of carbide-tipped bit needed is dependent upon the type of hammer drill being used.
Can I use blue concrete screws in wood?
Concrete screws like Tapcon can be used in wood. They have threads which can grab and hold onto wood just like they do concrete.
Why are concrete screws blue?
Blue Tapcon Screws are made of carbon steel and wrapped in a corrosion-resistant coating that holds up against chipping, weather, and other abrasions. Blue concrete screws can be installed quickly, with a simple 2-step process.
What are the blue cement screws called?
TapconsThe blue screw - Tapcons or duplicates - are designed for use in solid concrete, brick or block (CMU) base materials.
Do Tapcon screws require pre drilling?
Before a Tapcon masonry screw can be installed, a hole must be drilled into the masonry. Use a hammer drill to ensure that the hole has the proper tolerance. The switch on the hammer drill must be in the hammer and rotation mode before starting to drill.
Can Tapcon screws go directly into concrete?
0:082:32TIPS on how to install tapcons into concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll want to use wood drill bits to get through the wood masonry bits don't go through wood well.MoreYou'll want to use wood drill bits to get through the wood masonry bits don't go through wood well. Once you have the hole in the wood. You can go ahead and put in the masonry bit make sure the bit is
Are Tapcons better than anchors?
Tapcon and wedge anchors are pre-installed mechanical anchors that attach structural objects to concrete structures. However, the wedge anchor suits heavier-duty applications, vs the Tapcon anchor that typically serve lighter deployments. Another difference between them is in their fastening method.
What are the blue concrete screws?
The blue screw - Tapcons or duplicates - are designed for use in solid concrete, brick or block (CMU) base materials.Lengths of Blue Screw. The blue screws come in different lengths ranging from 1-1/4” to 6”. ... Diameter of Hole. ... Size of Head.
How do you use concrete masonry screws?
0:021:47Concrete screws | Masonry screws - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStore. And I brick without using any plugs whatsoever. These weights are designed to cut a thread inMoreStore. And I brick without using any plugs whatsoever. These weights are designed to cut a thread in the material. And the are extremely tough.
What is the blue coating on concrete screws?
Blue Ruspert Concrete Screws have a blue ruspert coating. This metal finish is a high quality, corrosion-resistant coating that is comprised by three layers; metal zinc, a chemical conversion film (to resist corrosion), and a ceramic surface that is baked.
How do cement screws work?
How do concrete screws work? Concrete screws are held in place by mechanical interlock. As they are screwed into pre-drilled holes, the saw-tooth threads cut into the concrete and form the mechanical interlock between the screw and the base material.
What are concrete screws used for?
Concrete screws are very versatile and are ideal for use in both light and medium duty fastening applications. These screws come in a variety of sizes and styles that are easy and fast to install. After installation, concrete screws can be removed without disturbing the base material. These screws can also be installed close to an edge. The different lengths can be used in applications when the fastening material has a thickness of up to 5". This wide range of lengths allows the screws to be used in many applications including studs, plywood, electrical boxes, exterior insulation systems and door bucks.
Why is it important to use concrete screws?
It is important to use the correct type of concrete screw to ensure that the application and installation is executed correctly and safely.
Base Materials
Tapcons can be installed in concrete, brick, block and in the mortar joints between the brick and block. The harder the base material, the less embedment is required to attain sufficient holding values. The minimum embedment for a Tapcon® concrete screw is 1” and the maximum embedment is 1-3/4”.
Diameter of Hole
Hole diameter is critical when installing Tapcons. The tolerance between the hole diameter and the diameter of the Tapcon® screw being used is very tight and any variations will affect the holding values. Each diameter of concrete screw has a specific diameter carbide drill bit that must be used for installation.
Depth of Hole
The depth of the hole that a Tapcon® concrete screw will be installed into is critical. The hole must be drilled 1/4” deeper than the screw will penetrate. This extra space at the bottom of the hole allows for an area for the dust created during the tapping process to fall without impacting installation.
Head Styles
Tapcons come in two different head styles that are designed for different types of applications. The full description of the flat-headed screw is a flat countersunk Phillips drive. The 3/16” diameter flat head requires a #2 Phillips driver and the 1/4” diameter flat head requires a #3 Phillips driver.
Standard vs. Stainless Steel Concrete Screws
The standard blue Tapcon® is suitable for use in indoor applications where moisture is not present. Standard blue Tapcons are coated with a blue Climaseal® coating that provides good rust resistant.
What is a tapcon screw?
Tapcon screws are specially designed to cut into concrete, block or brick. Unlike power nails or anchor systems, they bite into the concrete and require a relatively small starting hole. Standard Tapcon screws come in blue or stainless steel, and the exact bits needed for the holes are supplied in the packaging. Advertisement.
What is a dust mask?
Dust mask. Fasten anything to concrete with Tapcon screws. Attaching anything to concrete used to be difficult and time-consuming, and required either using power-driven nails or drilling large, deep holes for anchors and bolts. Tapcon screws are specially designed to cut into concrete, block or brick. Unlike power nails or anchor systems, they ...
What size screws are needed for a tapcon?
Mark the spot where the Tapcon screw is to be installed. Remember that large-diameter (3/8-inch and larger) screws can only be installed in concrete or cement block, not brick or mortar. Advertisement.
How to drill a hole in a hole?
Hold the drill bit against the material in the place marked previously. Turn the bit slowly to get the hole started .
What do you need for large diameter screws?
For large-diameter screws, you'll need to use a quality standard socket set. Cheap sockets will just strip if a screw is going in hard, as is sometimes the case. You need a good-quality socket and ratchet for this job.
What to wear when cutting concrete?
Wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever you drill or cut concrete. Concrete contains silica dust, which is hazardous to your breathing.
Do Phillips head bits break off?
Good-quality Phillips head bits are worth it. Cheap ones will break off after just a few Tapcon screws due to the amount of force required and the hardness of the steel screws. Be sure to use the proper size bit.
What are concrete screw rod hangers?
Concrete screws rod hangers are concrete screws that have been designed specifically for overhead rod applications. Just like other self-tapping screws, concrete screws rod hangers are ideal for concrete fixing and are approved by the European Technical Approval for cracked concrete and non-cracked concrete.
What are concrete screws used for?
Simply put, self tapping screws will tap their own head which means they will need a small hole drilled ahead of a full-sized hole as a guide, otherwise known as a pilot hole. With that in place, you can drive the tapping screw into the material and the threads will dig in to keep the fixing secure.
How deep do you drill for concrete screws?
The average depth to drill your concrete screws is typically ¼ inch deeper than the length of your screw. You should not drill your pilot hole any deeper than ¾ inch to avoid shearing off the head of your screw. However, to ensure a secure fixing the screw should be driven in at a minimum of at least one inch deep.
Are concrete screws removable?
Once concrete screws have been installed they can easily be removed again because they are threaded screws. During installation, they will tap threads into the concrete or brick and when you wish to remove them you simply need to turn the screw anti-clockwise for it to make its way out of the material.
Why are bits smaller than screws?
Bits are always smaller than screws because you will use these to drill the pilot hole, which needs to be smaller than the actual screw in order to allow the concrete screws to cut its own threads as it is driven in. Drill the pilot hole, clean it out and place the concrete screws within.
How deep should a concrete screw be driven?
However, to ensure a secure fixing the screw should be driven in at a minimum of at least one inch deep . It’s essential to make the pilot hole deeper than the length of your concrete screws to ensure that when the concrete screws are cutting threads there is room for any dust coming from the concrete or brick.
Do concrete screws need pilot holes?
Unlike self-drilling screws which do not need pilot holes due to their drill bit end, self-tapping screws like concrete screws do require the user to mark a spot for the pilot hole. Once that’s done it’s simply a case of attaching the right drill bit which depends on the size of your screw: Bits are always smaller than screws because you will use ...
What is self drilling screw?
Self-drilling screws are basically concrete screws that tap threads into concrete and are the only kind of screws that are strong enough to penetrate concrete. They come in different lengths, and you'll want to have various sizes on hand.
What type of screw heads are used for concrete?
There are two kinds of screw heads for work with concrete -- hex head or flat head Phillips. Hex screws are easier to drive in, but they don't look as nice because the caps are raised and they can't be flush to the surface; so your choice depends on the location of the screw.
Why is a hammer drill good?
A hammer drill is good for this purpose because you can adjust the depth of the hole so it won't be too shallow or too deep. Advertisement.
How many inches does a screw need to penetrate concrete?
They come in different lengths, and it's important to have several sizes on hand. Concrete is a dense material, so you'll need a screw that can penetrate 1 inch ( 2.5 centimeters) into the concrete; then add an additional inch (2.5 centimeters) more than the thickness of the material you are attaching to the concrete, ...
Can you screw a hole in concrete?
The best thing about these screws is that you can screw directly into concrete without any need for hammering or an anchor or shield to install. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw. What are concrete screws called? You may hear concrete screws called concrete anchors or fasteners.
Do you drill a pilot hole for concrete screws?
It is necessary to make a pilot hole for concrete screws. You should allow for a little extra depth to your drill hole to ensure that when the concrete screws are cutting threads there is enough room for any dust that might accumulate.
Can a rotary drill be used to drill concrete?
An ordinary rotary drill works just fine to drill into concrete. However, rotary drills take longer to drill into concrete than hammer drills and usually require more physical effort as well. . Cite This! Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Copy.
How to install masonry bit?
Install the masonry bit in your hammer drill and a driver bit in a variable speed drill. Then you won’t have to switch bits constantly. Another option is to buy an installation tool. It allows you to switch quickly from drilling to driving mode and back again, and includes Phillips and hex head bits to drive both 3/16-in. and 1/4-in. screws. We found an installation kit alongside the concrete screws at the home center.
What type of screws are used for concrete?
Concrete screws are available with either flat head Phillips or hex heads. In situations where the screw head must be flush to the surface (furring strips under drywall), or where a Phillips head would look nicer, use the Phillips head screws. Otherwise, always pick the hex head screws.
What screws wear out fast?
When you’re using Phillips head screws, keep extra No. 2 (No. 3 for 1/4-in. screws) Phillips head bits on hand. The hardened screws wear out bits quickly.
Why do 3/16 screws snap off?
If you’re having trouble with the 3/16-in. screws snapping off because the concrete is too hard, switch to stronger 1/4-in. diameter screws instead. You could also keep some 1/4-in. screws handy in case you strip out the hole for a 3/16-in. screw.
How much does a hammer drill cost?
But in most cases, you’ll need a hammer drill. Corded hammer drills cost $65 to $400, or you can buy a cordless model starting at $230. You can also rent hammer drills for about $35 per day. Precisely sized carbide-tipped bits are often included with packs of screws, or you can purchase one separately.
Can you use plastic anchors on concrete?
Where most people mess up is in thinking they can use plastic anchors. Uh, no. At the very least you should use a lag shield, but even then, you can use that type of anchor only when mounting to one of the three solid sections of the block.
Can you use a lag shield on a block?
Uh, no. At the very least you should use a lag shield, but even then, you can use that type of anchor only when mounting to one of the three solid sections of the block. Sleeve anchors are a better option because they work in the solid and hollow sections of the block, as well as the mortar joints.
What are concrete screws used for?
Concrete screws are very versatile and are ideal for use in both light and medium duty fastening applications. These screws come in a variety of sizes and styles that are easy and fast to install. After installation, concrete screws can be removed without disturbing the base material. These screws can also be installed close to an edge. The different lengths can be used in applications when the fastening material has a thickness of up to 5". This wide range of lengths allows the screws to be used in many applications including studs, plywood, electrical boxes, exterior insulation systems and door bucks.
Why is it important to use concrete screws?
It is important to use the correct type of concrete screw to ensure that the application and installation is executed correctly and safely.
